San Jose forward Ben Smith has been assigned to the AHL’s Barracuda on a conditioning assignment.
Smith has missed the last 18 games with an injury. During the four games he did play in October, he received limited ice time with linemates Mike Brown and Barclay Goodrow.
While the 27-year-old may never be an impact player in the NHL -- certainly not to the extent of injured forward (again) Logan Couture -- considering the depth issues the Sharks have suffered through this season, Smith’s progress will be worth monitoring all the same.
Smith was acquired last season in a trade with Chicago, with Andrew Desjardins going the other way.
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